Mail-handling device



Sept. 28 1926. 1,601,624 M. B. HOUGHTON MAIL HANDLING DEVICE riginal Filed August 51, 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATi'oRNEY WITNESS:

\ Sept. 28,1926. I 1,601,624

M. B. HOUGHTON MAIL HANDLING DEVICE Original Filed EK 1- 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 r a #225 floqy W I w z WITNESS:

Patented Sept. 28, 1926 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MYRTLE BLANCI-IE HOUGHTON, OF PORTLAND, OREGON.

MAIL-HANDLING DEVICE.

Application filed August 31, 1923, Serial No. 660,446. Renewed May 8, 1926.

This invention relates to carrying devices designed for use by mail carriers, news boys, sample distributors and the like for the purpose of conveniently carrying two sacks of mail or other mater in a convenient and comfortable manner.

An important and more specific object is the provision of a carrying device so arranged that either of the two sacks carried thereby may be brought around to the front so that delivery therefrom may be effected in a rapid and convenient manner, the sacks being supported from a track which encircles the body.

Another and possibly still more important object is the provision of a device of this character provided with spring suspension means whereby any shock or jar will be removed and any chance of discomfort eliminated.

An additional object is the provision of a device of this character which will be simple and inexpensive in manufacture, efficient and durable in use and a general improvement in the art.

lVith the above and other objects and advantages in view the invention consists in the details of construction to be hereinafter more fully described and claimed and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of my complete device mounted upon the body of a postman,

Figure 2 is a plan view of my device,

Figure 3 is a detail section through the shoulder engaging member,

Figure 4 is a front elevation,

Figure 5 is a detail section showing the track structure and guide rollers thereon.

Referring more particlarly to the drawings I have shown my device as comprising a pair of shoulder engaging members which are of inverted U-shape and each of which consists of a lower or inner section 11 and an upper or outer section 12. These sections are arranged in more or less telescoping relation and interposed between them are coil springs 13 which bear against certain flattened surfaces or fiat portions on the upper and lower members. The upper members are formed at their ends with extensions lt for a purpose to be described. It is also to be noted that the underside of the lower member is covered with suitable padding 15 which will make it soft and prevent bruising or blistering the shoulders of the wearer.

I also provide a track 16 of substantially circular form which is hinged at 17 intermediate its ends and which has its free ends provided with a suitable catch 18 for holding the two sides of the track together in encircling relation to the body of the wearer. However, by opening the catch 18 the two sides of the track may be swung open to permit removal. This track is supported from the shoulder engaging members by depending arms 19 suitably secured to the track and to the extensions 14. It should also be stated that the shoulder engaging members 10 are prevented from slipping off of the shoulders by means of straps 20'and 21 which are secured to the shoulder members and which are located at the front and back respectively of the wearer. It may also be advisable to provide other straps 22 which are connected with the shoulder engaging members and with the track and which cross underneath the arms of the wearer.

Suspended from the track are two sacks 23 which are similar or which maybe constructed differently if desired, and these sacks are open topped and designed to contain mail matter, newspapers, advertising circulars, samples or any other desired mat ter to be distributed, depending upon the nature of the business or employment in connection with which the device is used. Secured upon these sacks are supports 24 upon each of which is journaled a pair of rollers 25 which bear upon the top and bottom of the track.

In the use of the device it will be seen that either sack may be readily'pulled around to the front of the wearer, or to his side so that distribution may be conveniently carried out. WVhen one sack becomes empty it may be moved around and the other rolled into its place and the work continued. Owing to the peculiar manner in which the track and rollers co-operate, it is apparent that the movement will be free and easy especially as the rollers may have their spindles provided with ball bearings. On account of the particular mounting or supporting of the track from the shoulder engaging members, it is apparent that the attachment will not interfere with bodily comfort and freedom of movement of the wearer, while the padding of the shoulder pieces will prevent blistering or other discomfort.

Vfhile I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of the invention it is of course to be understood that I reserve the right to make such changes in the form, construction and arrangement 01 parts as Will not depart from the spirit of the invention or the scope or" the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention 1 claim:

1. A device of the character described comprising shoulder engaging members, supports depending therefrom, a track mounted upon said supports, a plurality of sacks, sup ports on the sacks, and rollers on said last named supports traveling upon the track, certain of the rollers being located above and engaging upon the top. of the track and others of the rollers being located below and engaging against the underside of the track.

2. A device of the character described comprising shoulder engaging members, supports depending therefrom, a track mounted upon said supports, a plurality of sacks, supports on the sacks, and rollers on said last named supports traveling upon the track,- straps connecting said shoulder en gaging members and located at the front and back of the wearer, said shoulder engagingmembers embodying relatively movable sec tions having cushioning means interposed; therebetween.

8. A device of the character described comprising shoulder engaging members, supports depending therefrom, a track mounted upon said supports, a plurality of sacks, supports on the sacks, and rollers on said last track, said track being formed oi h-ingedly connected sections provided with catch. means for holding them in assembled relation.

5. In a device of the character described, I

a track of ring like. formation formed of piv otally connected sections equipped with securing means, means. connected with they track for supporting the same from the shoulders With the track encircling the body, and receptacles suspended from the track and movable thereal'ong.

6'. In a device of the character described, shoulder engaging members each. formed of superposed sections of substantially U; .shape arranged in spaced relation, and coil springs interposed between the sections, supports depending from said shoulder engaging mem bers, a track carried by said supports, a plurality of sacks, and carriages. carried by thesaclrs and provided with. rollers engaged up on said track.

In testimony whereof I aflix. my signature.

MYRTLE BLANCHE HO-UGHTON. 

